Teenager faces hefty fine after being pictured riding 80-tonne whale

A teenager is facing a hefty fine after he was photographed climbing on to the back of an 80-tonne whale and riding it.

Wildlife authorities in Australia have refused to make the image public for fear it will spark copy-cat incidents.

The witness who took the picture has told authorities the youth climbed on to the back of a southern right whale off the coast of Western Australia in a scene reminiscent of the 2002 film Whale Rider.

Stunt: The unnamed teenager could face a £4,500 fine after being pictured riding a Southern Right Whale off the coast of Australia (file picture)

Harassing or interfering with whales is an offence and can lead to a £4,500 fine and officials are concerned the stunt could have led to the teenager being killed.

'There's a big fine because it's an offence, but the potential for somebody to come to a tragic end is real,' said a spokeswoman for the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Officers that they have begun patrolling beaches in the south of Western Australia to remind people to avoid the whales, which are often seen breaching in waters off the town of Albany.

The photograph the witness took is being used by officials to search for the young daredevil.

Adult southern right whales can reach 59ft in length and weigh up to 80 tons, said Albany district manager Mike Shephard.

'If you are in the way of a tail slap or when it breaches you are unlikely to survive,' he warned.

Under Australian laws, boats must maintain a distance of 350ft from whales and people swimming, surfing or sailing canoes must keep at least 100ft away.

'This is to protect whales from being harassed or injured by boat strike and to protect people from harm,' said Mr Shepard.

Southern right whales - which get their name from early hunters who found them the easiest to catch, making them the 'right' whales to search for - come close to shore to rest and look after their calves.

Mr Shepherd said any disturbance or physical contact with them is not only distressing for the whale but could 'result in a tragic outcome for a foolhardy person.'